Leading Central MA: Worcester Public Schools’ Robert Jennings

Monday, October 21, 2013

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Worcester Wraparound Zone Manager Robert Jennings.

When I interviewed Robert Jennings, he had just rescued a baby and an elderly woman from a fall on an escalator at the Denholm Building. Just another day in the life of the Wraparound Zone Manager for the Worcester Public Schools. Grounded in family, Jennings credits his parents and his wife Marcela, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Worcester State University, for his success. They reside in Worcester with with daughters Cheyenne and Kiana.

A Conversation with Robert Jennings

SW: How do you define a Wraparound Zone Manager?

RJ: The Wraparound Zone Manager supports the initiative that has created targeted plans to close the achievement gap, by helping and supporting students and families to reach high standards. My team is developing systems of support for academic and non academic challenges that students are faced with in accomplishing high levels of achievement. We have a team of 8 wrap around zone coordinators in 8 schools. Schools with wraparound coordinators are Woodland Academy, Chandler Elementary Community School, Chandler Magnet, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Union Hill, University Park Campus School, Goddard School of Science and Technology and Burncoat Preparatory School. Each is either an innovation school (which have more autonomy in curriculum design, staffing and scheduling) or a state-designated Level 4 school.

SW: What are some of the wrap around support systems?

RJ: They are so varied. We have found family engagement is a large part of our work. We help them to participate in a child’s learning. Parents do want to take an active role but need the tools. We work with removing a lot of non academic barriers that get in the way of children’s success such a mobility issues, food, mental health, housing, medical, dental, glasses, adequate clothing for each season. We have developed strategies to identify and address problems in a systematic way.

SW: I know you have also served as a principal in the Worcester School system. Can you talk about what led you to education?

RJ: My first job was in college administration at UMass Amherst. I was responsible for discipline for the southwest area of the campus which is the most densely populated area on the planet. I then went into working as a full time substitute teacher at Amherst Junior Senior High School which is where my passion for education kicked in. I came to Worcester as Director of Housing for Worcester State College and I helped the Worcester Public Schools with a conference on our campus. I filled in for a speaker who was unable to make it and the rest is history. The school system approached me to go back into education and I started as a grade 7 social studies teacher. I won the Teacher of the Year award for the Worcester Public Schools.

SW: Can you describe one day in the life of Robert Jennings?

RJ: I make sure that my daughter is off to school. Check in with my staff and reflect on the immediate and long-term needs of my schools. We may deal with a crisis or anything outside the norm or find housing for families. In our first week of existence, 3 fires displaced 5 families so we also work collaboratively with area agencies.

SW: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?

RJ: I am not sure that you would call it an accomplishment but my relationship with my wife and best friend Marcela has added so much to my life. All my decisions have been a team approach to both our lives and that of our children. Friendship and love has really shaped my life in a wonderful way.

SW: You have been very active in the community. What organizations are you involved with now?

RJ: I am on the board of Girls, Inc., Worcester Community Action Council and Worcester Youth Center.

SW: What is the something that few people know about you?

RJ: I love Martha’s Vineyard. I ran basketball camps in the summer for 20 plus years. I just love coaching basketball and enjoy watching kids involved in a sport. I also like riding a bike.

SW: What is an expression or quote that describes your life philosophy?

RJ: “You have to look down the road not just over the hood.”

SW: Who or What has been your greatest influence?

RJ: I am proud to have been able to carry on the legacy of my parents. My dad was a community center director and he gave so much of his life, willingly, to help kids. I haven’t filled those shoes yet but following in them. My mom taught music and always gave back to the community. She loved to bring cultural experiences to a community that would not be exposed to them otherwise. She taught kids who went on to national success.

SW: What would you like most to communicate to young men and women in Central MA?

RJ: You have to have a vision of where you want to be down the road. Create an academic and social vision for yourself. Develop an outstanding work ethic, be a team player and always strive for excellence. If we are able to write those things about a student, they have done the other work that they needed to. Make sure to include your family as much as possible in all aspects of your life. When you have a strong spiritual sense and a close family, you won’t go wrong too many times.

SW: Any special plans for the future?

RJ: I want to do this work to completion. I stepped away from being a principal to do something special. I also want to make sure my children get through college. Cheyenne is a junior at Worcester State University and Kiana is in her senior year of high school. Very simply, I want to remain healthy and live life as a good person and enjoy time with my family. I am also pleased to be a spokesperson for the United Way. It is so moving and so powerful to share the stories of how a company’s support of the United Way helps real life families.

“There is nothing so powerful as a new idea in the hands of a first class entrepreneur.” With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Susan Wagner has been known for driving events, initiatives, launches, and openings through her company SusanWagner PR. In this challenging economy, she has begun a new division to offer affordable start-up packages to new and emerging small businesses and non-profit organizations that include professional writing services, websites, collateral, marketing, social media grassroots outreach and regional PR campaigns.